One of the best ways to learn to be a civil engineer is to enroll in a vocational school or community college to begin your training. You can gain fundamental education and skills in about two years to get an associate degree in engineering. This credential would qualify you to transfer to a college or university to complete the requisite bachelor degree.

In today's highly technical world, learning to be a professional engineer can take three to four years of formal studies. According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, a bachelor's degree is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. Those who will ultimately specialize in one specific area of the field will be required to attain training that is both focused and comprehensive. Areas of concentration can include structural, geotechnical, environmental, and transportation and aeronautical engineering.

Training is often comprised of basic electrical, computerized, mechanical, and general engineering courses. Many trade-specific courses will include concentrated areas of study; but are also supplemented with basic mathematics, physical and life science studies. These trade school engineering courses are designed to prepare students for entry-level occupations in production work and practical design technology. And, while not all trade schools offer bachelor degree programs, two years of concentrated studies can lead to an associate degree in engineering technology.

In short, some vocational training can be an important part of the initial phase of your education. Those who need a flexible learning schedule might want to investigate the option of learning civil engineering online. Either way, the idea is to learn the basics of the field and get enough education under your belt to qualify for completion of Bachelor and/or Master Degrees.

Nowadays, massage therapy is an extension of physical therapy and goes along with the same educational standards as any medical therapist would. Meeting the requirements of national, local and state certification requires individuals to approve stringent training courses in an assortment of related subjects.

Despite the fact that there are numerous accredited schools that offer a complete message therapy education, the selections will not be simple. The benefits, naturally will be the acceptance by other medical practitioners, respect and trust of your future patients and acknowledgment by health insurers.

The Training

Over half of the states regulate the practice of massage. The requirements of the state all vary. Every one of them require at a minimum 500 hours of training as well as education and several require even more than that. There are some states that require national certification prior to a therapist being able to apply for state recognition. The national level of certification also requires at a minimum 500 hours of training in massage therapy education in an accredited school.

There must be included in the training at least 125 hours of physiology and anatomy, 200 hours of massage and/or bodywork application as well as theory, 40 hours of pathology, 10 hours of ethics as well as business and at a minimum 125 hours of related coursework. A practitioner with 500 hours of experience and training as well as knowledge of the required areas can also submit for review a personal portfolio of examination.

The national certification exam has a minimum of 160 questions that covers all of the required areas of massage therapy education. To maintain your good standing, a professional needs to be certified once every four years. Standards in the Canadian provinces will require a minimum of 2,000 hours.

Prior to choosing a school, a practitioner should determine on what the kind of massage that he or she wishes to specialize in. A general massage therapy education must include rehabilitation, pregnancy massage, sports injuries, pain relief and relaxation massage.

Be sure that the school you choose is fully accredited so that you can qualify for loans and grants. Massage therapy education tuition ranges from about $6-$17 per hour. The needed 500 hours typically runs from $5000-$9000.

Once you have graduated, there are numerous opportunities for seminars and workshops to maintain your massage therapy education and keeping up to date. When you understand the minimum that these educational and training requirements are that you need to complete, you will have a very good idea of what your competition will be like.

Other massage therapists in your area will have at least these levels of training plus contacts and experience. If all of these hours of massage therapy education as well as training sound interesting and exciting, you might have what it takes.

If you are seeking an important career in health care, a vocational central service technician training program might be right for you. Learning to be a Central Service Technician includes providing medical support services in various health care facilities. You will learn a wide assortment of duties and responsibilities, including sterilization and maintenance of patient medical devices and supplies.

Central service technicians (sometimes called patient care technicians) are carefully trained in the specific methods of sterilization, cleaning, decontamination, distribution, inventory control, processing, and packaging of sterile medical equipment, tools and other relevant items.

Training can result in professional certification or a degree in Applied Science. Basic curriculums involve learning the fundamentals of the health care profession, including such topics as an introduction to microcomputers in medical care, understanding basic surgical instruments, packaging and sterilization, hospital central service practices, and other relevant coursework as determined by individual academic institutions and educational programs.

Those with good training and Central Service Technician certification may find employment in hospitals, medical offices and clinics, surgical centers, and even nursing homes. Vocational courses in central service technology offer comprehensive education and training to meet rigorous demands of the growing field of medical technology.

Notwithstanding continuing education to obtain a higher level of career advancement, certified central service technicians can expect annual earnings ranging roughly from $22,000 to a little over $34,000.

If you are interested in learning the health care field of central service technology, you can begin your training at a good vocational school today!

The American Dental Assistant Association was founded over eighty years ago and is dedicated to dental assistants everywhere. They embrace the idea of a group, or many would say a community, of assistants coming together to find more information and services.

If you are new to the dentistry field, then the ADAA is a great stopping place for information. They offer a wide range of services that may prove to be very beneficial to you during the course of your career.

Dental care assistants have a lot of responsibility. Sometimes they work in small offices that do not provide insurance. That is where the ADAA steps in to help. The organization provides lines of credit, insurance, travel and leisure services.

They can also provide you with salary comparisons for other health care assistants around the country so you will know where you are in comparison. That is a very valuable tool when it comes time to negotiate your next raise or when it comes time to find a new job, especially if increasing your dental assistant salary is always on top of your "to do" list.

If you are looking to get into the dental assistant training program or a dental assistant school, then you will probably need a scholarship or some other form of financial aid. This is where the American Dental Assistant Association can definitely help. They offer scholarship programs to those who qualify. The scholarship is the Juliette Southard Scholarship and can help you with the cost of tuition, books and lab fees.

The ADAA also offers a list of the duties that a medical technician can expect to do on the job, as well as a grievance board that can step in if there is a problem at your place of employment. This is a great benefit and of a tremendous value should you find yourself in a sticky situation with your employer and your job is in jeopardy. Speaking of jobs, they also have a section that deals with employment if you are looking for a dental assistant job.

The American Dental Assistant Association is well worth the cost of the membership fee. There are two different applications. One is the regular membership application and the other is the student application.

Both offer insurance and discounts on different benefits. The regular membership is $110 and the student membership is $35. That is an incredible bargain considering all the benefits that you receive.

Continuing education from vocational schools is intended for students and working adults who wish to resume their academic growth in part-time study. Vocational training programs are well suited to those who desire to further studies to enhance professional outlook and to stay up to date with trade-specific technologies.

While vocational and trade schools began offering non-credit courses in small communities for the purpose of satisfying personal interests, it wasn't long before continuing education grew to become an essential function of higher education, including colleges and universities. Most post secondary schools now offer courses for earning credit toward certificates and degrees, either in classroom settings or through online and distance learning programs.

Several professions have begun requiring studies through continuing education for licensed practitioners, with the purpose of encouraging professionals to keep up with new developments through regular CEU programs. Courses afforded by vocational schools and by organizations that cater to specific professions are now quite common. Trade-specific courses frequently meet specific professional needs that can also be obtained through conferences and seminars.

Adult education courses can include traditional classroom lecture and laboratory study, and may be supplemented by online continuing education. All have become very popular and efficient, and accommodate working professionals desiring to advance their career potential, and to students enrolled in regular classes, who want to advance quickly toward graduation. Adult education is also available through conference group study networks meeting over the Internet. Sometimes continuing education combines any and all of the traditional, distance, online, vocational, and conference type studies.

In short, continuing education is readily available to enhance any vocation. Get started today!

If you would like to learn to be a carpenter, you can find top training in trade schools and vocational schools across North America. Aspiring carpenters should seek formal training to become a valued and highly skilled professional.

The best training in carpentry can prepare you to apply for positions in construction and the building industry. And, while a formal education may not be a requirement for hire, those with good training can gain a better understanding of the skills required of professional carpenters, and improve employment and salary options.

Learning to be a carpenter can be exciting if you enjoy working with your hands and your mind. Carpentry is sometimes offered as a specialization, and may be included as part of a course in building technology or cabinetmaking. Students can learn about remodeling and repair of cabinets and woodworking. You can even train to be a building contractor.

Carpenter schools are often found in vocational institutes or trade schools, and it is even possible to study it online. The point is to get practical training, in-depth curriculums, and academic knowledge for successful careers. Students can learn all about reading blueprints, understanding and complying with building codes, equipment use, foundation layouts, framing, and roofing.

Carpenters provide invaluable services to the construction industry, including, fitting and assembling wood and wooden components. They can assist in the building of highways, bridges and other large commercial structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for carpenters are expected to be excellent over the next five years. Those who have successfully graduated from a top school for carpentry can anticipate gaining permanent, gainful employment.

If you enjoy planning parties and working intimately with people, one of the top bridal consulting schools can teach you how to be a professional wedding planner. With good training in bridal consulting, you can quickly learn all about wedding planning and how to professionally organize special events.

Wedding planning courses teach the fundamentals of event planning, and provide opportunities for earning certificates, diplomas, and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees. Bachelor degrees (BA) in hospitality and event planning are also offered. Bachelor degree programs will prepare students for managing intensive event and wedding planning careers.

The top schools for bridal consultants can help students develop skills for attracting and maintaining clients by imparting methods of management, marketing, communications, and negotiation strategies. Graduates of wedding and event planning schools will be proficient in assisting families and brides and grooms with special event etiquette, scheduling photographers, planning and coordinating ceremonies and receptions, making seating arrangements, choosing floral themes and arrangements, choosing invitations, and contracting security. Adding basic business courses can also help prepare graduates for starting and operating event and wedding planning businesses.

Training is often provided as a specialization of hospitality programs, and this can get you on track for a very enjoyable profession. Depending on working conditions, education, expertise, and dedication to the profession, beginning wedding planners and bridal consultants can earn upwards of $30,000 or more annually.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

To learn more about becoming a wedding planner and bridal consultant, search SchoolsGalore.com today for top bridal consulting schools, and send a request for further information to help you get started on a new career.

If you are thinking of attending a culinary arts college you need to plan ahead while in high school. Culinary arts is becoming very popular and there are still many jobs to be found, however, to become a leader in the culinary arts field, post secondary education is required

If you are thinking of attending or trying to find out who the top culinary arts schools are, there are logical steps you need to follow to be successful. You will need to do a little bit of research on your own. It's possible that you have had a representative from one of the top culinary arts colleges already visit your high school. It is always wise to compare what is out there before making a decision though.

It's a fact that most of the top culinary arts schools offer many of the same courses. The differences may lie in the faculty members that they hire and the popularity of their schools with hiring managers in the food service industry. There are also differences in the cost to attend these culinary arts colleges and price can be a major factor in your decision. Location is also another factor. If you are looking to save money and are not real particular about becoming the world's best chef then a culinary arts college in your local area might be the best place to attend.

Here are some logical methods of finding the top culinary arts colleges. In addition, visit the link below to watch a video of a chef in action and to find many culinary arts colleges that you can evaluate as listed on the pages of the website.

The first thing you should do is go to a search engine such as google.com or yahoo.com and type in "culinary arts colleges" or "top culinary arts schools" just to see the scope of this industry. Once you pull up literally millions of results, you may be overwhelmed but remember, you are just shopping to see what is out there overall. Once you see that there are numerous colleges to choose from add some additional criteria. For example, you may want to click on several of the first sets of search results you see just to get an overall feel of what is offered in the culinary arts field. In addition, you can see where the major culinary arts colleges are located and if they have won any awards or have well recognized chefs as part of their faculties. If you want to know prices though, you will most likely have to email the school and an admissions representative will contact you. On the other hand, you may want to immediately decide on a general geographical area you are interested in. To do that you simply repeat the search "top culinary arts schools in Florida" for example, plugging in your own city or state to see what culinary arts colleges are located near you.

Review the websites. If you see a school or several culinary arts schools that you like, copy and paste the college phone numbers into Word or an email and begin to call these schools. You should ask for the admissions departments. You may receive a high pressure sales pitch, so listen carefully. All of these culinary arts colleges are in competition with one another. Definitely keep track of who you talk to by making notes next to your list. Compare everything, ie. the cost, the location, the reputation, placement assistance, etc.

You can also go online and do a bit more research to find out the cost by typing in "cost of culinary arts college" or "how much does a culinary arts college program cost" or something similar. You will come up with some interesting results. Just keep in mind that costs vary across the board depending on the program that you choose, the location and the reputation of the school.

Be prepared though. It is most likely going to be expensive to attend a top culinary arts school, but if that is your love and your professional desire, it will be well worth it in the end. Please find the links to more information on culinary arts jobs and the best culinary arts colleges in the next paragraph. Watch the video of a chef in action!

There comes a time in everyone's life where we need to choose the subject for our post secondary education and the college that we should attend. It is a tough choice since there are many factors that need to be considered before making the final selection. Some of these factors that influence these decisions are the workload at the college, if their friends are joining a particular college, if it is closer to home or if one is going back to the alma mater. However, if one was to choose one aspect that should dictate the choice, the primary criteria for selection should be to check if the course and the college under evaluation are accredited or not.

Why is choosing an accredited school important? Is it really that important? Well, accredited schools have an edge over the other schools in that it meets the standards that are set by the accrediting agency. In simple terms, it means that the school is providing an education that is more specialized in that particular area. The accrediting agency insures that the school is concentrating on providing the excellence in education that each particular field needs. It has an impact in your employment opportunities as well. If there are two students with similar qualifications, the student with a degree from an accredited school will have an edge over the other candidate.

Don't be surprised if the decision of students on which school to select depends more on factors like 'my best friend is joining that school' or 'it is very close to my home'. It is possible that one would save on some money in the short term, if the school that is chosen is a few minutes walk from home. But if that school is not accredited, you will realize that the money spent on earning the degree would be a waste in the long run since it could become a limiting factor in securing gainful employment.

Having seen the benefits of choosing an accredited school, there is one more important thing that you should check before making a final selection. It is possible that the school you are considering has been accredited for a different program but not the one that you plan to pursue. Seems baffling? Well, many big schools offer prospects of studying in multiple areas. Such schools may have accreditations in several of these areas but it does not necessarily mean that all of their programs are accredited. So ensure that you do a thorough check on that.

The good news is that accredited schools are not limited only to the universities. There are technical and community colleges and trade schools that also offer accredited programs. So choose a program and a school that is accredited and insure your future.

Those who are looking for farming, ranching and agriculture training should check with vocational, trade, and technical schools and community colleges. They offer opportunities to learn a great deal about agricultural methods and the business of farming, ranching and horticulture.

Degree programs in agriculture provide hands-on instruction and training in modern methods of agribusiness. Students may gain access to learning in on-campus and off-campus agricultural operations.

To obtain an associate degree in agriculture or horticulture (sometimes shortened to AG degrees), students can elect to get started by enrolling in a vocational school or community college. In about two years, you can learn the business and commercial aspects of the field, as well as in the fundamentals of crop and livestock production and food production management systems. An undergraduate program can provide stepping stones for students interested in going on to study for bachelor degrees in agriculture.

You also can find good training in agriculture online, as well as traditional, campus-based schools. Regardless of the source, students who have successfully mastered skills and have obtained an AG degree will have gained a better understanding of biology and methodology of agribusiness, and will be knowledgeable in applications for more successful production and operations.

Occupational opportunities are improved with diplomas, certificates, and degrees. Graduates will find gainful employment in farming, ranching, crop management operations, dairy management, farm management, production management, and other related fields.

If you are interested in learning to run a successful farming business or cattle ranch, an AG degree from a top vocational school or college is just what you are looking for.